Foodbank charity backs calls to double maternity pay

A MUM 'burst into tears' after being told she'd have to go on a foodbank waiting list in order to feed her newborn baby.

- MAISIE LAWTON

The foodbank charity is now backing calls after the Government was urged to double maternity pay this week, amid concerns mothers were resorting to 'dire' measures to keep their children fed.

A new study, by the trade union Unison and the charity Maternity Action, found that over a quarter of new mums had 'skipped meals' with some 'brushing their teeth' to beat hunger cravings.

A local foodbank in Barlow Moor, has witnessed this desperation first-hand.

Jen Savaris, founder of Perry's Pantry, said: "A mum with a newborn and child asked to be on the pantry list but at the time we were so overwhelmed with clients we'd had to enforce a waiting list.

"When I explained this to her she immediately burst into tears. I felt awful.